The Talisay tree, scientifically known as Terminalia catappa, is a tropical tree native to Asia and widely found in the Philippines. It belongs to the family Combretaceae and is renowned for its broad, almond-shaped leaves, attractive growth habit, and multiple uses. The Talisay tree is a common sight in coastal areas, streets, and parks due to its ability to provide shade and its resilience in tropical climates.
Characteristics of the Talisay Tree
The Talisay tree typically grows up to 20 meters tall with a spreading crown that resembles an open umbrella, making it a popular shade tree. Its leaves are large, glossy, and change color to vibrant red and yellow tones before falling, creating a beautiful autumn-like display. The tree produces small greenish flowers followed by edible, almond-like fruits.
Talisay Tree Overview
- Name: Talisay Tree
- Family: Combretaceae
- Mature Size: 30–50 ft tall (9–15 m), 30–40 ft wide (9–12 m canopy spread)
- Plant Type: Deciduous tree
- Botanical Name: Terminalia catappa
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Soil Type: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil
- Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
- Flower Color: Pale green to white (inconspicuous)
- Hardiness Zones: USDA zones 10–12
- Native Area: Southeast Asia, including the Philippines and India; widely naturalized in tropical coastal regions
- Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans and pets; however, large leaves and fruit may be a choking hazard for small animals if ingested whole
Features of the Talisa tree:
- Broad, oval-shaped leaves measuring up to 20 cm long
- Smooth, light gray bark that becomes cracked with age
- Produces small, oval-shaped nuts encased in a hard shell
- Deciduous in dry seasons, shedding leaves in a symmetrical pattern
Uses of the Talisay Tree
The Talisay tree is multifunctional and valued for its:
- Medicinal uses: Traditional Filipino medicine uses extracts from its bark, leaves, and seeds to treat skin conditions, fever, and digestive disorders.
- Wood products: Its wood is durable and sometimes used in making furniture and tools.
- Environmental benefits: It is frequently planted in coastal agroforestry to protect shorelines against erosion and serve as windbreaks.
- Shade and ornamental value: Due to its dense canopy and colorful leaves, it is a favorite tree for urban landscaping.
Ecological Importance
The Talisay tree plays a vital role in coastal ecosystems. Its dense canopy provides shelter for various bird species and insects. Furthermore, the tree can tolerate sandy soils and salty air, making it especially important for stabilizing beach and coastal environments.
Topics Related To Planting Talisay tree:
Featured Snippet-Style FAQs
A Talisay tree (Terminalia catappa) is a tropical tree native to the Philippines and Asia, known for its broad leaves, durable wood, and uses in traditional medicine and coastal protection.
The Talisay tree thrives in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in coastal areas where it helps prevent soil erosion and withstands salty conditions.
It is used for medicinal purposes, woodcraft, shade, ornamental planting, and as a protective coastal species in agroforestry.
The Talisay tree has large, oval-shaped leaves that turn red or yellow before falling, resembling an autumn display in tropical climates.
Yes, it stabilizes coastal soils, provides habitat for wildlife, and serves as a natural windbreak in prone areas.